Magnolia and Bird Underglaze Gold Leaf Ornamental Plate
This Yoshida Minori Gold Leaf Ornamental Plate, adorned with underglaze gold leaf, showcases a magnolia motif. The base color features a pale yellow-green shade, reminiscent of the Ming Dynasty (1368 CE - 1644 CE), with a gold decoration. With grand flowers and delicate buds, alongside a finely detailed small bird at the top, the plate is symmetrically embellished, its feathers intricately layered with gold leaf.
Yoshita Minori, a master of Japanese porcelain art, symbolizes the fusion of tradition and artistic mastery. Hailing from Kanazawa, a region steeped in cultural history and formerly known as Kaga in the Edo Period (1603 CE - 1868 CE), Yoshita's works echo the artistic legacy of the Maeda noble family, patrons of the arts. His creations, marked by intricate gold leaf and nuanced color usage, reflect the yugen principle of Japanese fantastical beauty and the elegance of historical royal attire.
Yoshita's contributions to porcelain art have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2001 and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in 2006.
PRODUCT DETAIL
- Dimension: L 36.0 cm(14.2 in) x W 36.0 cm (14.2 in) x H 12.0 cm (4.7 in)
- Material: Porcelain
- Origin: Made in Japan - Kutani ware
- Artist: Yoshita Minori
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The magnolia motif is known for its graceful and beautiful white flowers. The design intricately uses thick gold leaf for the petals and thin gold foil for the leaves, creating a stunning visual contrast. During the firing process, the leaves exhibit a unique crinkling effect, further enhanced by the light yellow-green glaze that seeps through, offering a play of light and shadow. This artistic approach results in an elegant and fantastical landscape, with two prominently placed, grand flowers arranged diagonally on either side of the dish.
The magnolia motif is known for its graceful and beautiful white flowers. The design intricately uses thick gold leaf for the petals and thin gold foil for the leaves, creating a stunning visual contrast. During the firing process, the leaves exhibit a unique crinkling effect, further enhanced by the light yellow-green glaze that seeps through, offering a play of light and shadow. This artistic approach results in an elegant and fantastical landscape, with two prominently placed, grand flowers arranged diagonally on either side of the dish.
Yoshita Minori (1932 - )
Ningen Kokuho (Living National Treasure)
Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
The upper portion of the plate captures a scene of new life and growth, featuring delicate buds that seem on the verge of blossoming. Adding to the whimsical nature of the design is a small bird, intricately smaller than the flowers, positioned at the top. This bird is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with its feathers created by layering gold foil and then finely etching details with a needle or blade, especially around the chest area, depicting the finesse of movement.
The bottom of the plate showcases small branches arranged in a square pattern with three hanging leaves, complementing the ornate central theme. The back of the plate is as exquisite as the front, coated in a clear white glaze and depicting three-dimensional white Taishan wood buds in an overglaze technique.
The bottom of the plate showcases small branches arranged in a square pattern with three hanging leaves, complementing the ornate central theme. The back of the plate is as exquisite as the front, coated in a clear white glaze and depicting three-dimensional white Taishan wood buds in an overglaze technique.
YOSHITA MINORI
Yoshita Minori (吉田美統), whose first name in Chinese characters means "Beauty under Rule," is a revered figure in the realm of Japanese porcelain art and stands as a living embodiment of centuries-old traditions and artistic excellence. Born and nurtured in Kanazawa, a historic and culturally rich region once known as the land of Kaga, Yoshita's artistry resonates deeply with the heritage of this region, which was ruled by the House of Maeda, a prestigious noble family known as the patron of theater and fine arts. His meticulous craftsmanship, evident in the delicate gold leaf work and the subtle yet profound use of color and texture, pays homage to yugen, the classical elegance of Japanese beauty, and the royal robes of Chinese and Japanese aristocracy.
In 2001, Yoshita was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon, and in 2006, he received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, from the Emperor of Japan.
